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Rep. Biggert Pulls Out Of Debate With Foster

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) and challenger Bill Foster. (Credit: U.S. House of Representatives/Bill Foster for Congress)

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Republican Congresswoman Judy Biggert has pulled out of a debate sponsored by the AARP, citing the organization’s inability to “act as a neutral arbiter.”

In a statement Wednesday, Biggert’s campaign said the AARP was cited and its logo used by liberal organizations in mail and television ads attacking Biggert. The debate was scheduled to take place Tuesday and broadcast on Chicago’s WLS-AM.

AARP of Illinois spokeswoman Heather Heppner said the organization is disappointed Biggert has decided not participate in the debate with Democrat Bill Foster.

Biggert and Foster are in a tight race for the 11th congressional district, which was redrawn to favor Democrats.

In a statement, Foster said Biggert has broken her commitment to seniors, and “now refuses explain why she voted to slash their hard-earned benefits.”